Sample Building Report PDF
Sample Building Report PDF
Brisbane
If you have any queries or require any clarification with this report, please feel free to
contact the Inspector Compass Building Inspections Licence Number : 1091104
ABN: 89118132531 Compass Building & Pest Inspections Pty Ltd Phone 1300 30 48 40
Items observed that require attention are listed under the appropriate subheadings within the body of this
report. For ease of reading, some of these items have also been listed here. This list is in no way to be
considered complete or comprehensive. You must read the entire report and not rely solely on this
Summary. The order that the items may appear in this summary is not an indicator of their importance.
Extension or Alterations:
The Building appears to have had an extension/addition (Rear roofed patio). The purchaser should
contact the local council to ensure that the extension/addition has been approved and inspected as
required.
Overall Condition:
A comparison of this and other dwellings of similar age, would rate this building as average, some
maintenance work is required as with most buildings of this age. Please read report in full.
Important Note: The building rating noted above is only a generalisation taking into account
numerous factors and should be read in conjunction with the notable items and main report. Also
see Section 4.0 - Definitions.
Windows:
Windows Condition:
The condition of the windows is generally fair. The condition of the window hardware is generally
fair. Some repairs or maintenance will be required.
Operation of double hung windows will require some repair or maintenance.
Floors:
Floors Condition:
The condition of the floors is generally good. Some drummy tiles were noted to sections (mainly
entry). Tiles can be affected by moisture, unsuitable substrate surfaces, differential movement of
materials and/or tiler error or faulty adhesives. Advise regarding drummy tiles requires further
investigation by a licensed and suitably experienced tiler.
The internal floor level to Detached entertainment area is less than 75mm above the adjacent
external finished level. This may result in stormwater entering the building.
KITCHEN
Kitchen:
Tiles:
The condition of the tiles is generally fair. There are some minor defects noted, maintenance to
these items/elements is recommended to prevent further deterioration. All sealants to kitchen
walls/splashbacks need maintenance due to deterioration/gaps appearing to prevent moisture
penetration.
LAUNDRY
Laundry:
Tub & Taps:
The tub and taps appear serviceable. The cabinet is rusting and will require treatment or
replacement.
EXTERIOR
External Walls:
Weepholes:
Garden beds and widespread foliage is built up against the external walls mainly to front of building
and there is inadequate clearance between weep holes and ground levels. A minimum of 75mm
clearance is required. Garden beds and foliage should be removed to prevent damp problems and
concealed pest attack.
Pergola:
Defects or Maintenance Items:
The timbers show signs of age and weathering. Moderate wood decay is present to the structure.
Some repairs or maintenance will be required. Oregon timbers noted, recommend to replace these
timbers with timber suitable for external use. A Building contractor should further investigate the
cause and the extent of rectification works required and the most appropriate method of rectification
and the probable cost of rectification.
Awning:
Defects or Maintenance Items:
Moderate wood decay is present to the structure. Clear roof sheeting is not water proof and is
leaking into areas below. Suggest to remove roofing and replace by constructing a roof above
guttering over hanging main roof sections.
SITE
Retaining Walls:
Type & Condition:
The timber landscaping/ retaining walls are in poor condition and should be repaired or replaced.
Moderate termite and severe wood decay damages were noted to the retaining timbers, some
repairs and replacement is required. Refer timber pest report.
BATHROOMS
Bathroom:
Tiles:
The condition of the tiles is generally good. All sealants to bathroom walls need maintenance due
to deterioration/gaps appearing to prevent moisture penetration. Some cracked tiles were noted to
walls in areas.
EXTERIOR
External Walls:
Condition:
The condition of the walls is generally good. Cladding at rear of detached entertainment area is in
contact with the ground. This can lead to undetected termite entry and wood decay. Recommend to
clear all soils away from this area. Refer to Timber Pest Inspection Report. Separation and
movement noted to areas of external walls near windows, this is a serviceability defect and
indicates that settlement/movement to structure has occurred. This is possibly due to climatic
conditions suffered by foundation soils, downpipe leaks, mature trees close to building or poor
surface drainage. Reading this report in full provides information of conducive conditions to
structural damage found on day of inspection. The area(s) where separation was noted is listed
below.
SITE
Paths/Paved Areas:
Type & Condition:
The concrete paths/paved areas are in good condition. The concrete paths/paved areas have
some visible cracking that should be monitored for further movement. Repair as necessary.
The following information is very important and forms an integral part of this report.
Before you decide to purchase this property you should read and understand the following important information. It will help
explain what is involved in a Property Inspection, the difficulties faced by an inspector and why it is not possible to guarantee that
a property is free of defects, latent or otherwise. This information forms an integral part of the report.
LIMITATIONS
Nothing contained in the Report implies that any inaccessible or partly inaccessible area(s) or section(s) of the property being
inspected by the Inspector on the date of the inspection were free from defects latent or otherwise.
No responsibility can be accepted for defects which are latent or otherwise not reasonably detected on a visual inspection without
interference with or removal of any of the structure including fixtures or fittings within the building.
This Property Report does not contain any assessment or opinion in relation to any item, which is the subject of a Special
Purpose Property Report (as defined in AS4349.1), or any matter where the inspection or assessment of which is solely
regulated by Statute. Special Purpose Property Reports include comment on the following: Common property areas,
environmental concerns such as sunlight, privacy, streets cape and views. Proximity of property to flight paths, railways and
busy traffic or other neighborhood issues. Noise levels, health and safety issues including the presence of asbestos or lead.
Heritage concerns. Security or fire protection. Analysis of site drainage apart from surface water drainage. Swimming pools and
spas. Detection and identification of illegal and unauthorized building works, electrical and plumbing work. Durability of exposed
finishes.
Photographic evidence taken on the day of inspection is given as an example of the defect[s] found to the property for reporting
purposes only. These photos within the report are to assist, and may not show all the defect[s] and/or the areas noted on the day
of inspection.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: No liability shall be accepted on account of failure of the Report to notify any problems in any
area(s) or section(s) of the subject property physically inaccessible for inspection, or to which access for Inspection is denied by
or to the Inspector (including but not limited to any area(s) or section(s) so specified by the Report.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES: This report is made solely for the use and benefit of the Client named on the
front of this report. No liability or responsibility whatsoever, in contract or tort, is accepted to any third party who may rely on the
Report wholly or in part. Any third party acting or relying on this Report, in whole or in part, does so at their own risk.
REPORT DEFINITION
This report is limited to a visual inspection of areas where reasonable access is available at the time of inspection. It does not
purport to be geological as to foundation integrity or soil conditions, engineering as to structural, nor does it cover the condition of
electrical, plumbing, gas or motorised appliances. It is recommended that an appropriately qualified contractor check these
services prior to purchase.
As a matter of course, and in the interests of safety, all prospective purchasers should have an electrical report carried out by a
suitably qualified contractor.
The building shall be compared with a building that was constructed in accordance with the generally accepted practice at the
time of construction and according to its age and level of maintenance noted to building elements. This inspection and report is
not to be considered all encompassing dealing with a building from every aspect. Rather it should be seen as a reasonable
attempt to identify any obvious or significant defects apparent at the time of the inspection. Whether or not a defect is
considered significant or not, depends, to a large extent, upon the age and type of the building inspected, eg. significant loss of
strength and/or serviceability has occurred. If this is required, a Special Purpose Property Report is recommended. It is
unrealistic to expect comment on minor defects or imperfections in a Building Elements Report
Whilst buildings may have many pleasing features there are few without defects and many are due naturally to age deterioration.
Subject to the level of maintenance on the building it is common for the number of faults to have increased with age.
All items that are considered to be concealed or latent defects are excluded.
Shower Recesses: Tests may be made on shower recesses to detect leaks (if water is connected). The tests may not reveal
leaks or show incorrect waterproofing if silicone liquid or masonry sealant has been applied prior to the inspection. Such
application is a temporary waterproofing measure and may last for some months before breaking down. The tests on shower
recesses are limited to running water within the recesses and visually checking for leaks. As showers are only checked for a
short period of time, prolonged use may reveal leaks that were not detected at the time of inspection. No evidence of a current
leak during inspection does not necessarily mean that the shower does not leak.
Glass Caution: Glazing in older houses (built before 1978) may not necessarily comply with current glass safety standards
AS1288. In the interests of safety, glass panes in doors and windows especially in trafficable areas should be replaced with
safety glass or have shatterproof film installed unless they already comply with the current standard.
Stairs & Balustrades: Specifications have been laid down by the Australian Building Code - Section 3.9 covering stairs,
landings and balustrades to ensure the safety of all occupants and visitors in a building. Many balustrades and stairs built before
1996 may not comply with the current standard. It is Strongly recommended to upgrade all such items to the current standard to
improve safety.
Swimming Pools: If a swimming pool/ spas are present it should be the subject of a Special Purpose Property Report as pool/
spa inspections are not part of a building elements inspection in accordance with AS4349.1-2007. A detailed inspection on the
status or serviceability of any swimming pool or associated pool equipment has not been carried out and is not within the scope
of this report. Recommend a pool expert to carry out this inspection. Additionally, to adequately inspect a swimming pool, the
water must be completely drained and all internal surfaces must be fully accessible.
This report may contain notable observations, together with what is considered to be helpful information and advice.
This report does not identify timber-destroying pests. A timber pest inspection report should be obtained from a qualified timber
pest inspector.
If any cost of work estimates are given, these are merely opinions and should be taken as a general guide only. In the building
industry, experience has shown that prices vary considerably and you must obtain independent quotations on any significant
notable item from several contractors prior to purchase.
The operation of fireplaces, chimneys, alarm systems, intercom systems, electrical and mechanical appliances, air conditioning
systems, and residual current devices have not been tested and are the subject of a Special Purpose Property Report. Should
you require an inspection to be carried out on any item not specifically covered by this report, please request a Special Purpose
Property Report on the specific item required.
No report is made on the presence, operation, installation or cabling of any free to air or pay television system.
Rooms below ground level or underneath part or all of a building: If there are any rooms under the house or below ground
Where the property is covered by an Owners Corporation (Strata Title), we strongly recommend that an Owners Corporation
search be conducted to ascertain the financial position, the level of maintenance and any other relevant information available
through the conduct of such an inspection.
4.0 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this inspection, the following definitions apply.
4.1 Good - The item or area inspected appears to be in sound condition without any significant visible defects.
4.2 Fair - The item or area inspected exhibits some minor defects, minor damage, deterioration in form of rusting, water
damage, aging, wear & tear, warping, twisting and operation etc, and may require some repairs or maintenance to prevent further
deterioration.
4.3 Poor - The item or area inspected may be in a badly neglected state of repair, finished in an un-tradesman like manner or
deteriorated due to age or lack of maintenance.
4.4 Above Average - All items and areas appear to be very well maintained and show good quality building work, finishes and
fittings, when compared with structures of similar age and construction.
4.5 Average - There may be components requiring repair or maintenance consistent with dwellings of similar age or
construction. There were no significant items or problems that were not consistent with dwellings of similar age or construction.
4.6 Below Average - The building and its parts are poorly maintained, show roughly executed workmanship, neglect or lack of
repairs and maintenance. There may be repairs or defects leading to substantial repair or remedial work required.
4.9 Asbestos
No Inspection for asbestos was carried out at the property and no report on the presence or absence of asbestos is provided. If
during the course of the Inspection asbestos or materials containing asbestos happened to be noticed then this will be noted in
the report. If asbestos is noted as present within the property then you should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal
expert as to the amount and importance of the asbestos present and the cost of sealing or removal.
Buildings built prior to 1982 may have wall and/or ceiling sheeting and other products including roof sheeting that contains
Asbestos. If the building was built prior to this date you should seek advice from a qualified asbestos removal expert as to the
amount and importance of the asbestos and the cost of sealing or removal.
Property Description:
Building type: Single storey dwelling, with detached entertainment area.
External walls constructed Brick veneer with timber frame work. Timber and hardie plank cladding to
from: sections. Timber frame with weatherboard cladding.
Roof Construction: The roof is of pitched construction.
Roof is covered with: Metal Trimdeck Type. Concrete tiles. Colourbond corrugated sheet
metal.
Internal walls covered with: Plasterboard. Asbestos cement sheeting.
Internal ceilings covered with: Plasterboard. Masonite sheeting.
Windows are constructed Timber and aluminium.
from:
Footings & Flooring: The building is constructed on a combination of concrete, timber and steel
stumps/ piers, A section(s) of building is constructed on a concrete slab.
Extension or Alterations: The Building appears to have had an
extension/addition (Rear roofed patio).
The purchaser should contact the local
council to ensure that the
extension/addition has been approved
and inspected as required.
External Roof:
Roof Style: The roof is of pitched construction.
Roof Covering Condition The overall condition of the roof coverings
Detail: is good. The metal roofing is rusting to
sections and requires rust treatment to
limit further deterioration. Some
replacement or repairs to sheets should
be budgeted for. Recommend to contact
a roofing contractor for further advise.
Flashings:
Roof Flashing - Condition: Silicone sealants to flashing will require ongoing maintenance.
Gutters & Downpipes:
Condition: Gutters and downpipes appear to be in
serviceable condition. Evidence of leaks
to downpipes and gutters at corners and
joins, maintenance required. Leaves and
debris are present blocking up gutters.
These should be cleared. Removal of
debris will extend life of guttering and
prevent water penetration to roof cavities.
Windows:
Windows Condition: The condition of the windows is generally fair. The condition of the window
hardware is generally fair. Some repairs or maintenance will be required.
Operation of double hung windows will require some repair or
maintenance.
Location/area The worst of this was noted in the following area/s - Lounge room.
Doors:
Doors Condition: The condition of the doors is generally good.
Woodwork:
Woodwork Wood decay damage to skirting board,
repair/replacement required. Wood
decay is present to the window fames.
General wear and tear is noted.
Location/area The worst of this was noted in the following area/s - Detached
entertainment area. Bathroom.
KITCHEN
Important Notes: In regard to plumbing or electrical, it should be noted that we are not plumbers or electricians and any
comment made is not that of a qualified plumber or electrician. We recommend that a qualified contractor be engaged to make
comment on any matter dealing with plumbing or electrical issues.
Kitchen:
Kitchen Fixtures: The condition of the fixtures is generally fair. There are some minor defects
noted, maintenance to these items/elements is recommended to prevent
further deterioration.
Tiles: The condition of the tiles is generally fair. There are some minor defects
noted, maintenance to these items/elements is recommended to prevent
further deterioration. All sealants to kitchen walls/splashbacks need
maintenance due to deterioration/gaps appearing to prevent moisture
penetration.
Sink & Taps: Tap leak from tap bodies was found,
Repairs required.
BATHROOMS
Important Notes: Shower areas (where present) are visually checked for leakage, but leaks often do not show except when the
In regard to plumbing or electrical, it should be noted that we are not plumbers or electricians and any comment made is not that
of a qualified plumber or electrician. We recommend that a qualified contractor be engaged to make comment on any matter
dealing with plumbing or electrical issues.
Bathroom:
Shower/Bath Condition: Shower and Bath appears to be in a serviceable condition. Regrouting is
required to the shower recess.
Tiles: The condition of the tiles is generally
good. All sealants to bathroom walls
need maintenance due to
deterioration/gaps appearing to prevent
moisture penetration. Some cracked tiles
were noted to walls in areas.
LAUNDRY
Important Notes: In regard to plumbing or electrical, it should be noted that we are not plumbers or electricians and any
comment made is not that of a qualified plumber or electrician. We recommend that a qualified contractor be engaged to make
comment on any matter dealing with plumbing or electrical issues.
Laundry:
General condition of area: This area is generally in good condition.
Tub & Taps: The tub and taps appear serviceable. The cabinet is rusting and will
require treatment or replacement.
Floor: The condition of the floor is generally good. Drummy floor tiles are present.
TOILETS
Important Notes: In regard to plumbing or electrical, it should be noted that we are not plumbers or electricians and any
comment made is not that of a qualified plumber or electrician. We recommend that a qualified contractor be engaged to make
comment on any matter dealing with plumbing or electrical issues.
Toilet:
Room Location: Adjacent to the bathroom.
EXTERIOR
External Walls:
Condition: The condition of the walls is generally
good. Cladding at rear of detached
entertainment area is in contact with the
ground. This can lead to undetected
termite entry and wood decay.
Recommend to clear all soils away from
this area. Refer to Timber Pest Inspection
Report. Separation and movement noted
to areas of external walls near windows,
this is a serviceability defect and indicates
that settlement/movement to structure
has occurred. This is possibly due to
climatic conditions suffered by foundation
soils, downpipe leaks, mature trees close
to building or poor surface drainage.
Reading this report in full provides
information of conducive conditions to
structural damage found on day of
inspection. The area(s) where separation
was noted is listed below.
Weepholes: Garden beds and widespread foliage is
built up against the external walls mainly
to front of building and there is
inadequate clearance between weep
holes and ground levels. A minimum of
75mm clearance is required. Garden
beds and foliage should be removed to
prevent damp problems and concealed
pest attack.
External Stairs:
Type & Condition: The overall condition of the stairs is poor.
The stairs are constructed primarily from
timber.
Pergola:
Position/Location: Right hand side elevation.
Construction & Condition: Constructed from timber. The general condition of this structure is fair.
Defects or Maintenance Items: The timbers show signs of age and
weathering. Moderate wood decay is
present to the structure. Some repairs or
maintenance will be required. Oregon
timbers noted, recommend to replace
these timbers with timber suitable for
external use. A Building contractor should
further investigate the cause and the
extent of rectification works required and
the most appropriate method of
rectification and the probable cost of
rectification.
Awning:
Position/Location: Between main building and detached entertainment area.
Defects or Maintenance Items: Moderate wood decay is present to the
structure. Clear roof sheeting is not water
proof and is leaking into areas below.
Suggest to remove roofing and replace by
constructing a roof above guttering over
hanging main roof sections.
SUBFLOOR
Timber Pest Attack - Evidence Noted:
Description: Moderate damage consistent with timber pest attack to visible accessible
timbers. Refer Timber Pest Report. Repairs will be required. We strongly
recommend further investigation to the building.
GARAGING
Carport:
Carport Location: To the front of the main house. The structure is generally in good
condition.
Gutters and Downpipes: Appear to be in serviceable condition. Downpipe joints are leaking and
should be repaired.
OUTBUILDINGS
Outbuilding A:
Type of out building: Metal garden shed:
General Condition: The structure is generally in fair condition. The internal floor level is less
than 75mm above the adjacent external finished level. This may result in
stormwater entering the structure.
Restrictions: Inspection within some areas was restricted by stored items.
Position/Location: Rear elevation.
SITE
Driveway:
Type & Condition: The gravel driveway stands in fair condition.
Fences & Gates:
Fences Type & Condition: The fences are mainly constructed from timber and metal. The fences are
generally in fair condition. The property is only partly fenced.
Retaining Walls:
Type & Condition: The timber landscaping/ retaining walls are in poor condition and should be
repaired or replaced. Moderate termite and severe wood decay damages
were noted to the retaining timbers, some repairs and replacement is
The general adequacy of site drainage is not included in the Standard Property Inspection Report. Comments on surface water
drainage are limited as where there has been either little or no rainfall for a period of time, surface water drainage may appear to
be adequate but then during periods of heavy rain, may be found to be inadequate. Any comments made in this section are
relevant only in light of the conditions present at the time of inspection. It is recommended that a Smoke Test be obtained to
determine any illegal connections, blocked or broken drains.
SERVICES
Important Notes: In regard to plumbing or electrical, it should be noted that we are not plumbers or electricians and any
comment made is not that of a qualified plumber or electrician. We recommend that a qualified contractor be engaged to make
comment on any matter dealing with plumbing or electrical issues.
Services:
Details: A Water meter is present. Air-conditioning is installed in the premises but
has not been inspected. Smoke detectors are fitted. Smoke alarms/
detectors were working on day of inspection. A safety switch was found to
be installed. Note: only a licensed electrician can verify if safety switch is
connected to appropriate circuits.
Water Lines & Pressure:
Details: The visible water lines are in copper pipe. Water pressure appears to be
normal, however, this is not an opinion of a licensed plumber. Water
hammer was noted. This can be rectified by the fitting of an anti water
Important Note: It would be prudent to have all services (visible and non-visible) including electrical wiring, plumbing and
drainage etc checked by appropriately qualified contractors.
..........End Of Report..........